When you travel somewhere, you probably use Google Maps and reviews to find the best and top-rated tourist attractions.
However, imagine traveling and discovering a stray cat as a top tourist attraction.
You’d probably think it’s a joke, but trust me – it’s not. This stray cat is actually one of the top-rated tourist attractions on Google Maps, and here’s how it all started.
When you come to Szczecin, Poland, the most popular attraction should be the Pomeranian Dukes’ castle, but that place was taken over by a stray cat called Gacek (meaning bat with long ears).
Gacek is a tuxedo cat living in a wooden box for several years. Later, he appeared in a YouTube documentary and began to lure visitors and get plenty of snacks. Little by little, Gacek became a real attraction there.
Gacek quickly went from an abandoned cat to a tourist attraction with 5 stars, over 2600 ratings on Google Maps, and an unlimited food source.
There was only one 1-star review because Gacek stole someone’s sausage, haha. Other reviews are more than positive, and here are some of the funniest:
• Edward Gladden wrote:
“I am very fortunate to have come here and meet this distinguished gentle creature, he shared many great stories and even let me rub his cute little belly. I would definitely recommend any and all individuals to come to see his excellence, and share the experience I have cherished for many years now”.
• Tomek Wilk wrote:
“I flew from Oslo with transit in Gdańsk to see Gacek. As expected, he didn’t pay any attention to me, making the experience fully wholesome. If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, I would fly again in an instant to feed him. Can recommend!”
• Another person wrote:
“It was worth traveling three hours to feel ignored by him. Recommended.”
When I found out about Gacek, my first thoughts were, how can a stray cat be this chubby? Well, the truth is he wasn’t always this chubby. Since becoming an attraction, he’s been having an unlimited source of food thanks to tourists, and there he is.
Luckily, the shop owners near him decided to feed Gacek themselves. They created a sign near the cat that shows a box where people can put food for Gacek. That way, the owners can control Gacek’s meals and diet, allowing him to stay healthier.
Furthermore, Gacek had some issues with Google Maps. His location and ratings were all deleted because many people were posting fictitious ratings. Luckily, soon after that, Gacek was back on Google Maps, and his popularity continued to rise.
Most people wonder how no one wanted to adopt him… Well, the truth is that many people and fans came to adopt Gacek and save him from the street, but he just didn’t want to be adopted; he liked it there.
Despite being a stray cat, Gacek was living a happy and good life on the street. People were taking good care of him, and he didn’t lack food or cuddles, for sure.
Under one of the Instagram videos about Gacek, one person wrote that he is now retired and adopted into a forever home. Whatever the truth is, I believe he’s still happy, like he was on the streets.
Cats are truly amazing creatures, but this cat took everything to a whole new level by becoming a top-rated tourist attraction. If he hadn’t retired, I’d know where to go for my next vacation, haha!
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